ARTICLE 13. SPECIAL OCCUPANCY STRUCTURES

Sub-Article 1. General Provisions for Special Occupancy Structures

(12.1.1) §C26-715.0 Application of Requirements for Special Occupancy Structures.-

a. Every structure or part of a structure, intended to be used for entertainment or instruction

of any kind, erected after January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, for the accommodation

of more than three hundred persons, shall be built to comply with the requirements of this

article, except as otherwise provided in sections C26-281.0, C26-719.0, and C26-720.0.

Structures occupied exclusively by an elementary grade school, high school, or other strictly

education institution where students are enrolled for regular courses of study, shall be exempt

from the requirements of this article, except that the auditoriums of such structures shall

comply with this article, except that the auditoriums of such structures shall comply with this

article. It shall be unlawful to use for public entertainment or instruction of any kind, any

structure or part of a structure, which on January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, is not in

actual use for such purposes, or to use any structure erected after January first, nineteen

hundred thirty-eight, not in conformity with the requirements of this article until such

structures conform to this article.

b. For the purposes of this section the existence of a valid certificate of occupancy shall

constitute actual use.

(12.1.2). §C26-716.0 Approval of Special Occupancy Structures Required.-It shall be

unlawful to open any structure described in section C26-715.0, to the public for theatrical or

operatic purposes, or for public entertainment or instruction of any kind, until the superintendent

and the fire commissioner shall have stated in writing that the structure conforms to the

requirements of this article. Any such structure in which departure from the provisions of this

article has been made under an approval of the superintendent or of the board, and which,

previous to May first, nineteen hundred sixteen, had been duly approved for use, may be

approved as conforming to the requirements of this article, so long as it is deemed reasonably

safe by the superintendent. It shall be unlawful for the superintendent to approve any structure

when the courts have held that a permit for the alteration or reconstruction of such structure is

void.

(12.1.3). §C26-717.0 Limitations on Use and Occupancy of Special Occupancy Structures.- a. It shall be unlawful to occupy or use any part of a structure, constructed or used for the

purposes described in section C26-715.0, for factory or storage purposes, or for any

occupancy or use for which a combustible occupancy permit is required.

b. It shall be unlawful to perform any kind of construction above the stage area of a structure

constructed or used for the purposes described in section C26-715.0 unless the construction

of the roof or uppermost tier above the stage area shall be separated from the structure above

by four-hour construction capable of sustaining a live load of not less than 150 pounds per

square foot and at least 100 pounds per square foot in excess of the otherwise required design

load; and that the tier above the stage area shall not be pierced except by vent flues

constructed according to the provisions of section C26-724.0 or by steam, water or plumbing

pipes. Such pipes shall be run through individual pipe sleeves set in the slab, and the space

between the sleeve and the pipe shall be packed solidly with mineral wool, and the sleeve

shall be covered at top and underside of the slab by flat metal plates fitted snugly to the pipe,

secured to the floor construction or to the sleeve. The enclosure of the stage vent flue or flue

for stage skylight shall comply with the requirements for a low temperature chimney, section

C26-710.0, b.

c. The space under the stage shall be used only as an accessory to and part of the stage

proper, except as otherwise provided in this article. Other parts of any such structure

including the area over the auditorium, may be used for any purpose not otherwise forbidden

in this title, provided that:

1. The parts so used are separated from the theatre by unpierced walls and floors having a

fire resistive rating of at least four hours and are constructed throughout in compliance

with the requirements of section C26-239.0, and the means of egress from the parts so

used are entirely separate from the means of egress from the theatre portion of the

structure;

2. All openings in the walls of the structure facing the stage area for the first one hundred

feet above the roof of the stage are provided with self-closing doors or automatic

windows, containing either plate or wired glass, and having a fire resistive rating of at

least three-quarters of an hour;

3. The edge of the stage skylight is located at least six feet from any wall of the structure

facing the stage area;

4. Any part used as a multiple dwelling complies with the multiple dwelling law as to

such part of the structure;

5. All ducts, pipes, conduits and similar facilities which may be required for servicing the

occupancy above or below the auditorium are confined to spaces outside of the

auditorium walls, and crossovers or horizontal lines of these facilities are also confined to

spaces outside of the unpierced four-hour floor or wall.

d. The space below the auditorium and other portions of the theatre where separated by

construction having a fire-resistive rating of at least four hours may be used for occupancies

not in conjunction with special occupancies, provided such occupancies are such as not to

require a combustible occupancy permit, and provided such space is separated from the

special occupancy by construction as provided for occupancies above auditoriums.

(12.1.3.1). §C26-718.0 Certificate of Occupancy for the Use of the Roofs.-It shall be unlawful

to use the roof of any structure, including factories and multiple dwellings, for witnessing

contests, games, exhibitions, amusements or similar spectacles, or as a place of public assembly

for any purpose, unless such structure or such part thereof has been designated in its certificate of

occupancy as a place to be used for such purposes.

(12.1.4). §C26-719.0 Structures Used for Religious Purposes.-

a. The means of egress from auditoriums used for religious purposes shall comply with the

provisions of article seven of this code.

b. Balconies within such auditoriums shall comply with section C26-732.0, and section C26-

735.0.

c. The means of egress from rooms and spaces used for purposes of religious worship,

instruction or recreation, other than the auditorium portion of such structure, shall comply

with article seven of this title.

(12.1.5). §C26-720.0 Auditoriums in School Structures and Public Museums.-

a. Auditoriums in school structures and public museums shall comply with the provisions of

section C26-1381.0 in respect to standpipes.

b. Auditoriums in school structures and public museums which are without provision for

stages, scenery, dressing rooms or other theatrical accessories shall be exempt from the

requirements of this article.

c. Auditoriums in school structures and public museums with provisions for stages, scenery,

dressing rooms or other theatrical accessories shall be exempt from the requirements of this

article, provided that:

1. The entire structure is occupied as a school primarily for the education of children in

the elementary or high school grades or as a public museum;

2. The exit facilities for the auditorium comply with all of the requirements for means of

egress prescribed in article seven of this title, except that the arrangement of fixed seats

shall comply with section C26-729.0, and the arrangement of aisles with section C26-

738.0;

3. The stage is enclosed on both sides and rear with partitions having a fire resistive

rating of at least four hours, openings in these partitions are protected by means of

protective assemblies having a fire resistive rating of at least three-quarters of an hour,

and the proscenium opening is equipped with a single asbestos fibre curtain approved by

the superintendent;

4. Scenery, drops and valances are of incombustible material or are treated so as neither

to ignite nor actively support combustion;

5. A complete system of automatic sprinklers is installed in dressing rooms, property

rooms, wardrobe rooms and under the stage roof; a line of automatic sprinklers is

provided over the proscenium opening on the stage side of the asbestos curtain; and the

sprinkler system is supplied from either the house water supply system or a separate

source of supply, which will give the required volume at a pressure of at least fifteen

pounds per square inch at the highest line of sprinklers;

6. Dressing rooms, wardrobe rooms, wardrobe rooms, property rooms and any carpenter

shops are located outside of the fire resistive partitions enclosing the stage; these rooms

are enclosed in partitions having a fire resistive rating of at least three hours and openings

in such partitions are equipped with protective assemblies having a fire resistive rating of

at least three-quarters of an hour;

7. An automatic skylight, of five percent of the area of the stage between the enclosing

partitions and the asbestos curtain line, is installed in the roof over the stage, or if such

skylight is impracticable, a vent duct, or ducts, of like area is extended from the top of the

stage to a point above the roof. If ducts are installed, they may be either open or provided

with plain glass dampers held closed by means of fusible links, and having three-quarters

inch or smaller mesh wire screens immediately below as approved by the superintendent;

8. Such hand fire-extinguishing equipment as the superintendent may deem necessary is

installed;

9. The handling of curtain, scenery, spotlights and other electrical equipment is done by

trained adults;

10. Sufficient adult ushers are employed to handle the audience properly; pupils are not

used as ushers;

11. Matches, open flames, torches, pistols, fire crackers or any devices producing an

exposed spark or flame are not used;

12. All persons admitted to the auditorium are furnished with seats;

13. No seats, chairs, stools or other furniture are placed in any aisle or passageway

leading to a means of egress;

14. Dry foliage, flowers and branches are used as stage setting or scenery only when so

treated as to neither ignite nor support combustion.

Sub-Article 2. Construction of Special Occupancy Structures

(12.2). §C26-721.0 Construction of Special Occupancy Structures.-

a. Every structure intended to be used for public entertainment as stated in section C26-715.0

shall be a class 1, fireproof structure, except as otherwise specifically provided in this article

and except that a theatre having a seating capacity of six hundred people or less may be of

class 2, fire-protected construction, within the limitations of section C26-254.0.

b. It shall be unlawful to cover any of the walls or ceilings of such structures with

combustible material, except that regardless of the height of the structure, wood wainscoting

not over six feet in height may be used in the auditorium, orchestra pit, lobbies, foyers and

promenades and wood flooring may be used in the auditorium and stage when the space

behind the wainscoting or between the floor arch and the flooring is filled solidly with

incombustible material, and except that, regardless of the height of the structure, combustible

wall coverings may be used when pasted or cemented directly to the plaster surface and that

combustible fabrics not pasted or cemented directly to the plaster surface may be used, if

such fabrics are so treated that they will neither ignite nor actively support combustion and

are tested to insure compliance with the rules of the board and provided such fabrics have

one inch lap seams for each panel, and except that wood or other combustible material in the

form of a veneer one-twentieth of an inch or less in thickness may be used as a wall covering.

c. Screens for the projection of motion, audible or sound, or television pictures shall be either

made of incombustible material or treated so as neither to ignite nor actively to support

combustion.

d. Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary in this article, combustible trim and

decorations may be used in outer lobbies which open directly to the street, also in outer

vestibules which are separated from the street by not more than two sets of doors and which

are completely separated from the auditorium by fireproof doors and used solely for entrance

and egress and which do not connect directly with rooms or stairways serving the auditorium

provided:

1. That the aggregate area and width of said lobbies and vestibules shall not be

encroached upon nor reduced below legal requirements.

2. That the said trim or decoration is closely attached to the masonry or plaster surface

forming the enclosure of said lobbies or vestibules and that all spaces behind said trim or

decoration are solidly filled with gypsum plaster or its equivalent.

3. That no portion of said trim or decoration projects more than 12 inches in front of the

enclosure walls of said lobbies or vestibules.

4. That printed or painted advertising matter that may be displayed is kept behind tight

glass enclosures or, if in the open, the same is not more than 3/16ths of an inch in

thickness and is completely flame proofed in accordance with rules of the board, and is

placed so as not to obstruct free entrance or egress.

e. In the case of any existing theatre on which there was on May 6, 1941 display advertising

in the nature of ground signs or false fronts beyond the building line, such display advertising

shall conform to the provisions hereinafter enumerated or shall be removed, or removed and

replaced by display advertising conforming with the provisions hereinafter enumerated.

1. That the same does not extend at any point more than eight inches beyond the street

wall of the building, that the same shall not extend above the bottom of the window sill of

the second floor, and that no existing openings in the wall shall be covered by this

construction, and that Siamese connections to the sprinkler and the standpipe (fire line)

and ammonia Siamese connections shall be unobstructed.

2. That the same is constructed of material at least three-sixteenths inch in thickness and

adequately stiffened and attached directly to the street wall or other incombustible

backing.

3. That all of the provisions of sections B26-5.0 to B26-19.0 inclusive, shall apply so far

as not inconsistent herewith.

f. Theatres designed and used exclusively for the display of motion, audible or sound, or

television pictures, and without stage, dressing rooms or scenery of any kind and without a

platform exceeding ten feet in depth shall not be required to comply with section C26-724.0

through section C26-727.0 of this article. The platform shall be of fireproof construction, but

may be covered with wood flooring. Sets, decorations or scenery are not to be used on such

platforms. The use of furniture shall not be prohibited.

Sub-Article 3. Stage

(12.3). §C26-722.0 Stage; General.-

a. That portion of the stage floor extending from each side of the proscenium opening to the

enclosure walls and from the stage side of the proscenium wall to the front edge of the apron

shall be of construction having a fire resistive rating of at least four hours. Regardless of the

height of the structure, untreated wood flooring may be used on the stage floor. For a width

of six feet more than the proscenium opening, the stage may be constructed of wood.

The term stage shall not include an unenclosed raised platform placed on an open floor as

described in section C26-141.0 of the Administrative Code.

b. The stage shall be separated from the auditorium by a fire wall of solid masonry extending

from the foundation to at least four feet above the stage roof or the auditorium roof if the

latter be the higher. Such walls may be offset in the manner described in section C26-632.0.

c. Such wall shall be without openings above the stage level, except the proscenium opening

and one door opening on each side of the stage at the stage level. Three door openings may

be provided in this wall below the stage level. Door openings shall be three feet or less in

width. Only one duct may be provided on each side of the proscenium wall under the stage provided with a fire damper on each side of the wall if the duct for ten feet on each side of

the opening in the proscenium wall is of construction having a fire resistive rating of at least

three hours.

d. The apron of the stage shall be located between two and seven feet from the curtain line.

Platforms, extending along a portion or all of the stage, adjacent to or contiguous with the

stage, constructed of incombustible material, for the operation of cameras and electronic

equipment for television programs may be constructed in front of such stage aprons provided

that required aisles and exits are maintained unobstructed and that electrical equipment has

been approved by the Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity. Such platforms may

be used with scenery or properties or both for television programs only when in compliance

with the foregoing and following provisions:

1. All such scenery, including but not limited to drapes and curtains, shall be made of

incombustible material, or shall be treated as neither to ignite nor actively support

combustion, or shall be flame-proofed in accordance with the requirements of section

C19-161.1 of the code;

2. All such scenery shall be placed not less than four feet from any seats occupied by the

public;

3. Portable fire extinguishing appliances shall be provided as may be directed by the fire

commissioner; and

4. The area of the asbestos curtain fall shall remain free and clear.

e. Door openings from underneath the stage to the auditorium and from under the stage to

pipe passages and plenum chambers shall be protected on each side of the wall with a self-

closing door, having a fire resistive rating of at least three-quarters of an hour, arranged to

open from either side of the wall. Door openings from the stage to the pit shall be protected

with single self-closing doors, having a fire resistive rating of at least three quarters of an

hour, arranged to open from either side of the wall.

f. The space underneath the stage shall be subdivided, at the sides of the proscenium opening,

by solid masonry walls having a fire resistive rating of at least three hours, extending from

the proscenium wall to the rear wall of the stage, and from the ground to the under side of the

stage floor, and so located that the distance between these walls shall not be more than six

feet greater than the width of the proscenium opening.

g. Openings in these walls shall be equipped with self-closing doors having a fire resistive

rating of at least one hour.

(12.3.1). §C26-723.0 Mechanically Operated Stages.-Where at least one-half of the area of the

stage between the proscenium opening, the curtain line and the back wall is equipped with a

stage elevator or platform electrically or hydraulically operated, the space below the stage floor

on each side of the stage may be used as a fireproof vault to receive scenery assembled on trucks,

provided the following conditions are met:

1. Such vaults are entirely enclosed by fire walls, floors and ceilings unpierced by pipes,

conduits, ducts or electrical apparatus, and having a fire resistive rating of at least four hours;

2. The doorways opening from such vaults are protected by fire doors having a fire resistive

rating of at least one and one-half hours, operated mechanically in conjunction with the stage

elevator or platform so that such doors can be opened only when the stage or platform is fully

lowered, and closed automatically when the stage elevator or platform is at the stage level;

3. The area of such vaults is fifty percent or less of the floor area of the stage elevator or

platform;

4. Where more than one such vault is constructed, adjoining vaults are separated from each

other by walls having a fire resistive rating of at least four hours;

5. Each such vault is ventilated by an open flue starting at the ceiling of the vault and

terminating within five feet of the main stage skylight; where such flues are installed the

skylight is erected so that an automatic device will be located in each flue to open the

skylight in case of fire: a protective wire mesh screen which will reject a ball one-half inch in

diameter is placed immediately below the ceiling outlet of each such flue; the area of each

flue is one-twelfth the area of the doors serving that vault;

6. Such vaults are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.

Sub-Article 4. Stage Skylight

(12.4). §C26-724.0 Stage Skylight.-

a. A skylight having a glazed area of at least one-eighth of the area of the stage shall be

provided over the stage. Such skylights shall be glazed with single thick plain glass having a

thickness between eleven and one-half and ten sheets to the inch, in panes having a minimum

area of three hundred square inches. A protective wire mesh screen shall be placed

immediately above and below the skylight.

b. In the skylight, ventilators of a type approved by the board shall be placed in the highest

part of the stage roof, and those parts which open shall be equal in aggregate area to one-

eighth of the area of the stage. The covers or doors shall be constructed of incombustible

material, shall be arranged to open in case of fire by an automatic device or by cutting a fibre

cord. The ventilators shall be so designed as to function regardless of weather conditions.

c. Mechanical exhaust ventilation may be provided for the stage area in lieu of skylight by

one or more individual vent flues constructed in accordance with the requirements for low

temperature chimneys in section C26-710.0, extending above the main roof independently of

any other flue and having an aggregate cross-sectional area of one square foot for every one

hundred square feet of stage area. The flue opening at the base shall be twice the area of the

flue for a minimum height of eight feet and the base shall be protected by wire mesh screens.

Each flue shall be connected to power-operated exhaust fans located on the roof or in any

intermediate level as approved by the superintendent and provided with gravity dampers in

the flue outlets; where a single flue is provided, the fan shall be operated by two electric

motors, each of sufficient power to operate the fan independently. Flue connections shall be

arranged so as to permit direct passage of the products of combustion to the outer air with a

by-pass connection in which the exhaust fan or fans shall be located. An automatic multi-leaf

fire damper shall be provided in the direct run of the flue at the by-pass above the inlet to the

fan or fans and below the outlet from the fan and arranged to open in case of fire. The fan or

fans shall be of aggregate capacity for providing in the stage at least fifteen changes of air

exhaust per hour. The fan or fans shall be so arranged that the fan wheel only will be subject

to the products of combustion. Prominently labeled manual starting switches and automatic

rate-of-rise, heat actuated starting switches for each fan shall be provided and shall be located

in a manner acceptable to the superintendent. The source of power supply for operating the

fan or fans shall be from the main switch or emergency panel, independent of all other

electrical services. Each fan shall be started and its operation observed for not less than five

minutes prior to the commencement of each performance.

d. Where there are occupied areas above the stage a gravity exhaust flue may be provided for

the stage area in lieu of mechanical exhaust ventilation. The flue shall extend independently

of any other flue to and above the roof, having a cross-sectional area of at least one square

foot for every ten square feet of stage area, and in accordance with the requirements for low

temperature chimneys of section C26-710.0. A skylight conforming to the requirements of

subdivisions a, b, and c of this section except that the area shall be at least equal to the area of

the flue, shall be provided at the top of the flue.

Sub-Article 5. Protective Curtains, Curtain Supports and Rigging Lofts in Special

Occupancy Structures

(12.5). §C26-725.0 Protective Curtains, Curtain Supports and Rigging Lofts in Special

Occupancy Structures.-

a. The proscenium opening shall be provided with a curtain of incombustible material

constructed on a rigid frame approved by the superintendent, having a lap of two feet at the

top and eighteen inches at each side, sliding at each side in steel or iron grooves, which shall

have a minimum depth of twelve inches. The curtain shall be securely fastened to the

proscenium wall and at its lowest position shall rest on masonry at least twelve inches thick

extending from the foundation to the curtain, or upon a strip of linoleum, cork or rubber

composition directly affixed to such masonry. The footlights shall be placed at least two feet

away from the curtain line. The curtain shall be raised only at the commencement of each

performance and lowered at the close and shall be operated by approved machinery.

b. Satisfactory proof must be submitted and filed with the application that the curtain is so

constructed and mounted as to prevent the passage of fire, to permit the passage of only a

minor amount of smoke, and to show no glow on the auditorium side, when exposed to a

temperature rising to seventeen hundred degrees Fahrenheit in thirty minutes.

c. Beams supporting curtain slots in the rigging loft shall be designed to sustain a minimum

load of four hundred pounds per linear foot in addition to a uniformly distributed load of fifty

pounds per square foot on the rigging loft. Beams supporting headlocks shall be designed to

sustain a load of at least twelve hundred pounds per linear foot vertically, and one thousand

pounds per linear foot horizontally. The design of beams supporting the proscenium curtain

or curtain sheaves shall provide for an impact allowance of one hundred percent.

d. All girders, beams or platforms over the stage or in the fly galleries shall be of

incombustible materials.

Sub-Article 6. Scenery, Fittings and Scene Docks

(12.6). §C26-726.0 Scenery, Fittings and Scene Docks.-

a. Stage scenery, curtains and decorations made of combustible material, and woodwork on

or about the stage shall be so treated as to satisfy the superintendent that such scenery,

curtains and decorations will neither ignite nor actively support combustion.

b. Where the scenery is stored on the premises otherwise than as permitted by subdivision (a)

of this section and by section C26-723.0, there shall be provided a scene dock or space

adjacent to the stage, constructed with walls, floors and ceilings having a fire resistive rating

of at least four hours and connected with the stage by a doorway with a maximum area of

eighty square feet protected by automatic doors having a fire resistive rating of one and one-

half hours. Scene docks shall be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems and with

skylights meeting the requirements of section C26-724.0, as to size and construction. The use

of such scene docks for paint bridges shall be permitted.

Sub-Article 7. Dressing Rooms

(12.7). §C26-727.0 Dressing Rooms.-Dressing rooms shall be separated from the stage and

auditorium by walls and floors having a fire resistive rating of at least four hours. The walls and

floors between dressing rooms and auditorium shall be unpierced. Openings in the dividing walls

shall be equipped on both sides with self-closing doors having a fire resistive rating of at least

three-quarters of an hour. Dressing rooms located on or above the stage level shall have an

independent means of exit directly to the street or to emergency courts or passageways. The

maximum distance from a dressing room door to a stairway or passageway to the street shall be

thirty-five feet. The area under the stage shall contain no dressing rooms. When dressing rooms

are located below the stage level, at least two exits therefrom shall be provided, one of which

shall lead directly to the street. Every dressing room door shall be within thirty-five feet of a

stairway. Dressing rooms shall be ventilated by windows or skylights opening directly to the

outer air or shall be independently ventilated with at least six changes of air per hour. Dressing

room furniture and fixtures, other than chairs, shall be incombustible.

Sub-Article 8. Workshops, Storage and Property Rooms

(12.8). §C26-728.0 Workshops, Storage and Property Rooms.-

a. Workshops and storage or property rooms shall be located only at the stage level, except as

otherwise provided in section C26-723.0, and on the stage side of the proscenium wall. They

shall be separated from the stage by solid masonry or reinforced concrete walls having a fire

resistive rating of at least four hours. Openings to the stage shall have automatic or self-

closing doors having a fire resistive rating of at least three-quarters of an hour on both sides

of the wall. Furniture and fixtures, other than chairs, in workshops, storage or property rooms

shall be of incombustible material. It shall be unlawful to provide paint bridges.

b. Such shops or rooms shall be provided with windows or fireproof vents to the outer air, of

an effective ventilating area of five percent or more of the floor area of each shop or room.

Sub-Article 9. Seats in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.9). §C26-729.0 Seats in Special Occupancy Structures.-

a. Seats, except those in boxes, shall be at least thirty-two inches from back to back, and

firmly secured to the floor. The maximum number of seats in any row extending from one

aisle to another shall be fourteen and the maximum number of seats in any row extending

from one aisle to a wall shall be seven. Provided, that if the seatings are fixed chairs with

self-raising seats so spaced that when the seats are lowered there is an unobstructed space of

not less than sixteen inches horizontal projection measured between two plumb lines between

the rows of seats, and provided that along both sides of the theatre at the ends of the rows of

seats there are aisles with a minimum width of four feet, and exit doors or openings are

provided not more than fifteen feet center to center apart along both sides of the auditorium,

the number of seats in a row between such aisles shall not exceed one hundred. The above

exit doors or openings shall open on the streets, courts or passageways as required under

section C26-731.0.

b. The difference in levels between balcony seating platforms shall not exceed 22 1/2 inches.

These platforms shall be at least thirty-two inches wide; except that when the difference in

platform levels is more than fifteen inches the platforms shall be at least thirty-six inches

wide. Risers of balcony steps in the aisles shall not exceed a maximum height of seven and

three-quarters inches.

c. It shall be unlawful to place any stools or seats in any aisle.

Sub-Article 10. Normal Exits in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.10.1). §C26-730.0 Normal Street Exits.-

a. Every structure intended to be used for the purposes described in section C26-715.0 unless

otherwise specifically provided in this article, shall have means of normal exit on one or

more street frontages as hereinafter required.

b. Where there is a grade in excess of five percent in a street frontage of a theatre, the

location of the normal exits on such street frontage shall be left to the discretion of the

superintendent.

c. In addition to the emergency exits required by subdivision d of section C26-731.0 the

minimum aggregate width of normal exit doorways for the total number of persons to be

accommodated on all tiers shall be at least ten feet and shall be determined from the number

of persons to be accommodated as follows: Street normal exit doorways shall be provided at

the rate of twenty inches for each one hundred of the first fifteen hundred persons: fifteen

inches for each one hundred of the first thousand persons in excess of fifteen hundred; and

ten inches for each one hundred persons in excess of twenty-five hundred persons. All

normal exit doors shall be located on the street fronts except that one-half of any width in

excess of ten feet may be on emergency courts or passageways provided such doors are

placed between the rear wall of the auditorium and the last row of seats in the orchestra.

Where theatre is more than ten feet above curb or more than six feet below curb as

measured to the level of the space in the rear of the last row of seats in the orchestra or to the

level of the cross-over in front of the first riser in a stadium structure, the normal exit doors

shall be provided between the lobby and the orchestra instead of on the street fronts, except

that one-half of any width in excess of ten feet may be located on emergency courts or

passageways, provided such doors are placed in the rear wall or between the rear wall of the

auditorium and the last row of seats in the orchestra. In such case all doors shall be fireproof,

self-closing, approved for at least one hour fire-resistive rating.

d. The floor level of the space in the rear of the last row of seats in the orchestra or the level

of the crossover in front of the first riser in a stadium structure, shall not be more than twenty

feet below the curb level. The difference in level between this space and the street level shall

be taken up by steps or ramps. It shall be unlawful to locate steps in the middle of any ramp.

Steps in front of doorways opening in the direction of egress shall have a platform equal to

the swing of the door and at least five feet in width. Where the entrance lobby or lobbies do

not lead directly to the rear of the orchestra or the crossover in front of the first riser in a

stadium structure, there shall be at least two interior passageways or stairways each not less

than four feet in width to the rear of the orchestra or to the crossover of a stadium structure.

When the occupancy of the auditorium exceeds two hundred persons, each such passageway

or stairway shall be increased in width at the rate of three inches for everyone hundred

persons or fraction thereof in excess of two hundred persons. Such passageways shall be

located in accordance with the requirements of section C26-734.0. The size of steps and

risers shall conform to the requirement for balcony stairs in section C26-732.0. Handrails

shall be provided in both sides of stairways, projecting not more than three and one-half

inches into the required width of such stairways.

e. Theatres may be placed more than ten feet above the curb level or more than six feet below

curb level as measured to the level of the space in the rear of the last row of seats in the

orchestra or to the level of the crossover in front of the first riser in a stadium structure when

in addition to the egress stairways required under section C26-731.0, there shall be a normal

exit stairway leading directly from the street to the lobby, for the exclusive use of the theatre.

The lobby shall be located on the same story as the orchestra of the theatre and shall be

adjacent to the auditorium. This stairway shall have a clear width between stringers of six

feet for the first one thousand persons to be accommodated in the entire auditorium plus one

foot for each additional three hundred persons or part thereof. In place of this stair, one or

more stairs may be provided if the total width of such stairs is not less than required for the

one stair and provided no stair is less than four feet in width. Such stairways shall be

enclosed in partitions having at least a three hour fire-resistive rating and openings shall be

protected by fireproof, self-closing doors having at least a one hour fire-resistive rating. The

lobby shall be separated from the stairs as provided for the separation of emergency

passageways from stairs in section C26-731.0. All openings into the lobby shall be protected

by fireproof, self-closing doors, approved for at least a one hour fire-resistive rating, where

the theatre is above or below street level as specified in this subdivision. Also in such cases

the lobby shall have a minimum width and height of ten feet and shall have a floor area of

not less than one-third of the total seating capacity of the theatre multiplied by one and one-

half square feet.

f. Each normal exit entrance doorway shall have a minimum clear width of five feet

measured between door stops. When there are no mullions between the leaves of entrance

doors and the doors are hung on top and bottom pivots, the doors when opened shall not

project more than a total of six inches into the required clear width of the exit. Normal exit

doors shall swing outwardly and shall be held in the closed position by panic bolts or other

releasing devices arranged to operate by the application of pressure to the inner side of the

device.

g. It shall be unlawful to lock doors, used as a means of entrance or exit, during any

presentation or at any time when the structure is open to the public.

(12.10.2). §C26-731.0 Emergency Exits from Special Occupancy Structures.-Emergency

courts or passageways required for special occupancy structures.-

a. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision i of this section and section C26-735.0, every

theatre accommodating three hundred or more persons shall have an open court, or a

passageway, for emergency use on each side of each tier of the auditorium except that where

a theatre is at the street level such court or passageway shall not be required for a side

bordering on a street. Such courts and passageways shall lead directly to a street or to the

emergency stairs as provided in subdivision j of this section.

(12.10.2.2). b. Design of required courts or passageways for special occupancy structures.

1. The minimum clear width of such emergency courts or passageways shall be six feet

and the clear height shall be at least ten feet. Where such courts or passageways lead to a

stair, each court or passageway shall have a floor area of not less than one-third of the

total seating capacity of the theatre, multiplied by one and one-half square feet.

2. When the occupancy of any tier exceeds six hundred persons, the width of the court or

passageway for that tier shall be increased at the rate of one foot for each five hundred

persons or fraction thereof.

3. The size of the court from the orchestra shall be calculated independently and where

the emergency stairs from above combine with such court the court shall be increased in

width to accommodate the total occupancy served. The width of the court shall mean the

clear, unobstructed width.

4. Passageways shall be of materials or assemblies having a fire resistive rating of at least

four hours, with solid floors and roof. Where such passageways go through the stage or

through other structures but not where the passageway goes through other parts of the

same structure, the roof shall be capable of sustaining a uniformly distributed load of five

hundred pounds per square foot.

5. Such passageways and courts shall connect to the street at sidewalk level unless

connected to the emergency stair as provided in subdivision j of this section. Difference

in elevation of floors of such courts and passageways shall be overcome only by ramps

having a maximum grade of one in ten or by stairs of maximum height of riser of seven

and one-half inches and width of tread of at least ten inches. Where stairs and ramps are

used in conjunction such stairs may only be placed at either or both ends of the ramps.

6. Where enclosed passageways are used they shall be vented to the street or outer air in a

horizontal direction by means of wire mesh grilles with clear ventilating areas of at least

12 square feet at each end of the passageway or within ten percent of the length of the

passageway from either end. Walls of passageways shall be whitewashed or finished in

materials of a light color, or painted a light color.

7. When the stage exits into such a passageway there shall be between the stage and the

passageway a vestibule at least five feet deep extending the full width of the court or

passageway and separated from the stage and passageway by self-closing doors having a

fire resistive rating of at least one hour.

8. The doors on the orchestra floor opening on the required emergency courts,

passageways or streets shall have a minimum clear width of five feet measured between

door stops. One such door opening on each required emergency court or passageway or

street shall be located not more than thirty-five feet from the first row of seats. The first

row of seats shall be that row of seats nearest to the stage, platform, or projection screen.

An additional emergency exit on each required emergency court or passageway shall be

located not more than fifty feet from the last row of seats. Such emergency exits shall be

separated by a distance at least equal to fifty percent of the distance from the first to the

last row of seats. Additional doors shall be provided as necessary so that no seat on the

orchestra floor shall be located more than one hundred and twenty-five feet from an exit

or entrance door measured along the line of travel.

9. Where auditoriums are adjacent to any other structure bordering on any structure,

emergency exits from the auditorium may be by means of passageways through such

structures, except when, in the opinion of the superintendent, such occupancy or use of

such structures would constitute a hazard.

10. All openings on emergency courts or passageways shall be protected by fireproof,

self-closing doors approved for at least a one-hour fire resistive rating.

(12.10.2.3). c. Use of emergency passageways and courts in special occupancy structures.

1. Emergency passageways and courts shall be used exclusively for exit from the

auditorium and stage and shall be kept free and clear at all times. No openings on

emergency passageways shall be permitted except openings to the outer and those for

doors.

2. Any such passageway or court may be used in common by two or more auditoriums,

provided the width is equal to that required for the total number of persons to be

accommodated in all the auditoriums opening on it.

(12.10.2.4). d. Required number of emergency exits from special occupancy structures. In

addition to the exits normally required under sections C26-730.0 and C26-732.0, there shall

be on each side of each tier at least two emergency exits opening from the auditorium to the

emergency passageways or courts. The doors on such emergency exits shall have a minimum

clear width of five feet measured between door stops, except that on tiers above the orchestra

floor requiring only one crossover and no promenade, at least one of the required exit doors

shall be located at each end of the crossover. The swing of such doors shall be in the

direction of egress and shall not obstruct the clear width of the passageway when fully

opened, except for the thickness of the door.

(12.10.2.5). e. Required emergency stairways in special occupancy structures.

1. From the emergency exits in each tier above the first, interior or exterior emergency

stairs or emergency platforms shall be provided extending to the sidewalk, court or

passageway. The minimum width of each such stair or platform shall be four feet. When

the capacity of any tier above the first exceed eight hundred persons the width of each of

the required stairs serving such tiers shall be increased in the proportion of one foot for

each five hundred persons or fraction thereof in excess of eight hundred persons. When

the stairs or platforms are not extended independently to the street court or passageway

level, but are combined, the width of each run of stairs shall be increased by fifty percent

of the width of the stairway serving the next tier above. From the landing of the stairs at

the street court or passageway level a passageway at least as wide as the last run of stairs

leading into it, and a minimum of six feet wide, shall be provided leading to the street or

stairway leading to the street. Hand-rails may project into the required width of stairs a

maximum of three and one-half inches on each side. The ends of hand-rails shall be

turned back against walls or newels and finished without projections which would act as

obstructions. Required stairways shall also comply with the requirements of subdivision f

of section C26-292.0.

2. The maximum height of risers in required stairways shall be eight and one-half inches,

and the minimum depth of tread nine inches, exclusive of nosing.

(12.10.2.6). f. Required size of courts upon inadequate streets. Where a street faces upon a

public street narrower than the court which would be required for emergency purposes if

there were no street, the structure shall be arcaded at the street level so that the combined

width of the street and arcade shall be equal to the required width of the court which would

be required if there were no street.

(12.10.2.7). g. Emergency exits from the stage.-Emergency exits to the passageways, courts

or streets shall be provided on opposite sides of the stage level.

(12.10.2.8). h. Required exits from stage gridirons.-Two means of exit shall be provided from

the stage gridirons. Such exits shall be provided on one side by means of a ladder or stairs,

extending from the stage floor through the roof from the inside of the structure and on the

other side through a door-way to the outer air and then by a ladder or other means to some

point having access to the ground.

(12.10.2.9). i. Every theatre accommodating six hundred persons or less shall be provided

with at least one emergency exit from the orchestra floor located within one-tenth of the

depth of the orchestra from the first to the last row of seats. Where the orchestra

accommodates more than three hundred persons, at least one additional emergency exit shall

be provided. These emergency exits are in addition to the entrance doors of ten feet minimum

width as required under section C26-730.0 of this article. The aggregate width of the

emergency exits and the street entrance doors in feet shall be at least one-twentieth of the

total number of persons to be accommodated. The minimum width of the emergency exit

doors shall be five feet and they shall open outwardly on a street or an emergency court or

passageway leading to a street. The court or passageway shall be at least four feet in clear

width for the first one hundred persons and the width shall be increased six inches for every

additional one hundred persons to be accommodated. Construction of passageways, courts

and doors shall conform with the provisions of the preceding subdivisions of this section.

(12.10.2.10). j. Where a theatre is placed more than ten feet above the curb level or more than

six feet below the curb level as measured to the level of the space in rear of the last row of

seats in the orchestra or to the level of the crossover in front of the first riser in a stadium

structure, passageways or courts shall not be required to extend below or above the

auditorium level where are least one emergency stairway is provided from each passageway

or court each having a minimum width of six feet and each leading to the street. When the

capacity of the theatre exceeds one thousand persons, the width of each such stairway shall

be increased in the proportion of one foot for each three hundred persons or part thereof in

excess of one thousand. Such stairways shall be enclosed in fireproof material of not less

than three hour fire-resistive rating. The size of the treads and risers shall conform to the

requirement for emergency stairways in this section. Such stairs shall be used exclusively for

the exit from the theatre, and shall be kept free and clear at all times. The stairs shall comply

with the requirements of section C26-292.0 except as otherwise provided in this section.

The stairs shall be separated from the emergency court of passageway by fireproof self-

closing doors approved for at least a one hour fire-resistive rating, hung to swing in the

direction of egress. The aggregate clear width of such doorways shall be not less than the

required width of the stair and the width of such doorways shall be not less than the required

width of the stair and the width of a single doorway shall not be less than three feet eight

inches nor more than five feet. A landing shall be provided between the doors and the first

riser, having a width not less than the swing of the largest door but not less than four feet.

The doors may be provided with panic bolts. The stairs shall be vented by means of fixed

opening or a vertical or horizontal duct, to the outer air, having a minimum cross-sectional

area of at least two square feet. The stairs shall run separately and independently to the street

or to an open court leading to the street.

(12.10.3). §C26-732.0 Balcony Exits and Stairs.-

a. Except as otherwise provided in section C26-735.0, at least two separate and independent

stairways, in addition to the emergency stairways required by subdivision e of section C26-

731.0, shall be provided for each tier above the auditorium floor. Such stairways shall be

located on opposite sides of the auditorium and may connect with the tiers which they serve,

by means of mezzanines or other intermediate floors. Where balcony stairs open directly into

the auditorium, the exit facilities from the auditorium shall provide for the number of persons

using such balcony stairs. The width of balcony stairs which open directly upon the street,

court or passageway may be deducted from the required width of main entrance except that

the width of main entrance doors shall not be less than ten feet. Required stairways shall

connect with only one tier, except when one of the tiers is a part of a stadium theatre and the

aisles in that tier are continuous with those in the orchestra floor, and except that required

stairways in any type of theatre may open on more than one tier, provided that such required

stairways are increased to the width required for a fifty percent increase in the number of

occupants of the lower tier, and this increase shall apply to each tier upon which the stairs

open, but in no case need the total width of the stairs exceed that required to accommodate

the total number of occupants to be served by these stairways. Required stairways shall be

enclosed in the tiers through which they pass by materials or assemblies having a fire

resistive rating of at least three hours, but enclosures shall not be required at the upper and

lower terminals of balcony stairs. It shall be unlawful to permit any door to open directly on a

stairway; a landing at least as wide as the door shall be provided between the door opening

and the stairs.

b. The doors on street fronts may be of untreated wood, but all other doors on exit

passageways and stairs shall comply with the requirements of article eleven of this title.

c. The maximum height of risers on any balcony stairs shall be seven and one-half inches and

the minimum depth of treads in straight balcony stairs shall be ten inches exclusive of

nosings. It shall be unlawful to provide circular or winding stairs for the use of the public.

When straight stairs return directly on themselves, a landing without steps, the full width of

both flights, shall be provided. The outer line of landings shall be curbed to a radius of at

least two feet. Stairs turning at an angle shall have a proper landing without winders,

introduced at each turn. It shall be unlawful to introduce winders in stairs when two side

flights connect with one main flight; the width of the main flight shall be at least equal to the

aggregate width of the side flights. All stairs shall have proper landings introduced at vertical

intervals of twelve feet or less. The minimum number of steps in a flight between landings

shall be three. Such landings shall be at least four feet in depth.

d. Where the stadium type of design is employed, all portions of the auditorium behind the

first perpendicular riser shall be treated as a balcony when the highest row of seats is more

than fifteen feet above the lowest point of the crossover in front of the first perpendicular

riser. Where the distance between the lowest point of the crossover in front of the first

perpendicular riser and the highest level of the stadium floor is between fifteen and twenty

feet, an inside stairway shall be provided. Where such distance is over twenty feet such

stadium section shall be treated as a balcony, and if the house already has a balcony the

stadium section above fifteen feet shall be treated as another balcony.

e. The minimum width for balcony stairs shall be four feet. When the number of persons to

be accommodated on any tier exceeds two hundred, the width of each stair shall be increased

in the proportion of three inches for every one hundred persons or fraction thereof in excess

of two hundred persons. The maximum width of any stair shall be eight feet. When the

occupancy of any tier exceeds eighteen hundred persons, additional stairs shall be provided.

The aggregate width of stairs required from any tier shall be divided into substantially equal

units, so that the width of the narrowest stair shall be at least two-thirds that of the widest

stairs. Hand-rails shall be provided in such stairways and may project a maximum of three

and one-half inches into the required width of stairs on each side.

f. Ornamental stairways may be constructed under the following conditions:

1. Such stairways shall be so placed as to leave unobstructed the functioning and use of

the required means of egress.

2. Such ornamental stairways shall be separate from such required means of egress.

3. Such stairways shall meet the requirements of sub-division 1 of section C26-292.0,

with respect to hand-rails.

g. Stairways serving theatres placed above the curb level as provided in subdivision e of

section C26-730.0 may lead directly to the street, courts or passageways or terminate in the

lobby in the rear of the orchestra. Where a stairway terminates in the lobby, the lobby shall

be connected with the street, courts or passageways by means of doors or passageways

having a minimum width of five feet.

(12.10.4.1). §C26-733.0 Crossovers.-

a. Crossovers in tiers above the orchestra floor.-Crossovers shall be provided in each tier

above the orchestra floor as follows:

1. The first crossover shall be seven rows of seats or less from the front of the tier.

2. Additional crossovers shall be provided, each fourteen rows of seats or less from the

next lower crossover, except that, if the last crossover is placed at the rear of the tier,

there may be sixteen rows of seats between the highest crossover and the next lower

crossover. Such crossovers shall be at least four feet wide in the clear and shall be

separated from the seating spaces with railings. When but one crossover is required, both

emergency exits shall be located at the ends of the crossover. When more than one

crossover is required, an emergency exit shall be located at each end of each crossover.

When the difference in level between adjacent crossovers is in excess of nine feet, the

emergency passageway shall be carried level and independently from each exit to the

emergency stairs. Passageways leading to any stairway connecting with any exit shall be

at least four feet in width at every point.

(12.10.4.2). b. Crossovers on orchestra floor.-Crossovers shall be provided in the orchestra

tier when there are more than four banks of seats, under conditions as follows:

1. The first crossover shall be located approximately one-third of the distance from the

last row of seats to the first row of seats, but not less than eighteen rows from the first

row of seats, except that where there are not more than twenty-seven rows of seats and

not more than four banks of seats no crossover shall be required. The first row of seats

shall be that row of seats nearest to the stage, platform or projection screen.

2. Additional crossovers shall be provided, eighteen rows of seats or less intervening

between each such crossover and the next lower crossover. For the purposes of this

paragraph a cross-aisle or clear space of four feet or more in width and extending from

one side wall to the opposite side wall shall be considered a crossover.

3. Where there are five banks of seats the cross-overs shall be formed by spacing the

backs of two consecutive rows of seats at least sixty-six inches apart or by providing a

clear, unobstructed cross-aisle of at least four feet.

4. Where there are more than five banks of seats the cross-overs shall be formed by

spacing the backs of two consecutive rows of seats at least seventy-eight inches apart or

by providing a clear, unobstructed cross-aisle of at least five feet in width.

5. The superintendent may, in his discretion, permit cross-overs where cross-overs are not

required by this article.

(12.10.5). §C26-734.0 Vomitories.-

a. The term “vomitory” shall mean an exit from a balcony communicating with a stairway by

way of an intermediate floor. At least two vomitories shall be provided for the first one

thousand seats or less in a balcony and one for each additional five hundred seats or fraction

thereof over one thousand seats. Vomitories shall be located laterally twenty-eight feet or less

from the side walls and ninety feet or less apart at the same cross-over level, except that

vomitories may be located more than ninety feet apart when the width of the crossovers is

increased one inch for each foot of separation in excess of ninety feet; vomitories shall be

located on the level of the lowest crossover and where more than two vomitories and two

crossovers are required, the vomitories shall be located on the level of the lowest crossover

and at alternate crossovers thereafter. When a single vomitory is required at an alternate

crossover it shall be centrally located.

b. The difference in level, between a crossover and a vomitory passageway serving such

crossover, shall be seven feet or less. Such difference in level may be made up by steps in the

vomitory, provided the width of the crossover, at the vomitory, is increased at least two feet.

c. Each vomitory shall have a width of at least five feet.

d. Vomitories may be omitted when the required aisles connect directly with a promenade or

open space at the rear of the balcony provided such balconies are less than twenty four rows

deep and there is a difference of twelve feet or less in level between the front row of seats

and the promenade.

e. Stairs may be located at the rear of the balcony in place of an equal number on vomitories,

provided the top stair landings are connected by a crossover.

(12.10.6). §C26-735.0 Small Balconies.-Balconies having a maximum capacity of one hundred

fifty seats and also any single balcony in a church used exclusively as a place of worship, shall

be exempted from the emergency exit requirements; but two stairways each not less than four

feet in width or one such stairway and an emergency exit constructed as per section C26-730.0

shall be provided. The emergency exit shall be not less than four feet in width and shall not be

required to be more than 11 feet in width. The interior stairways shall terminate at the rear of the

seats of the tier below or may lead to the street and shall be provided with handrails on both

sides. If an emergency exit door is provided such door shall be of at least one hour fire-resistive

rating and open outwardly upon a street, passageway or court conforming to the provisions of

subdivision i of section C26-731.0. Exterior platforms in courts serving emergency exits shall be

at least forty-eight inches in width and fifty-four inches in length. Exterior emergency stairways

not less than forty inches width extending to the court level or to the street shall be provided

from the platforms. Construction of emergency stairways and platforms shall conform to the

requirements of section C26-741.0.

(12.10.7). §C26-736.0 Boxes.-The term “box” shall mean an enclosure having one fixed or

movable seat to each six square feet of floor space, with a maximum of twelve seats. When

boxes are at the balcony levels they shall be accessible from the aisles from the crossovers. The

minimum width of a box entrance shall be three feet. When boxes are located at the sides of the

proscenium no other means of egress need to be provided. Boxes located at the sides of the

proscenium shall be within forty feet of the proscenium wall. The stairs for such boxes shall have

a minimum width of two and one-half feet and shall lead to the nearest balcony or tier of seats

below such boxes.

(12.10.8). §C26-737.0 Diagram of Exits.-A diagram or plan of each tier in the auditorium,

showing clearly and distinctly all aisles, exits and total number of seats on each tier, shall be

posted in the office of the premises of printed in black lines on any program of the performance,

occupying a space on the program of ten square inches or more.

Sub-Article 11. Aisles

(12.11). §C26-738.0 Aisles.-

Aisles shall begin at least three feet wide and shall be increased in width toward the exits in the

ratio of one and one-half inches to five running feet. Where exits, corridors, passages or

crossover aisles are provided at both ends of any aisle, the aisle may be uniform in width; such

uniform width shall be at least three feet plus three-quarters of an inch for each five running feet

in such aisle. Whenever an aisle borders on a means of entrance the aisle shall have a width of

four feet or more for the space required for such entrance doors.

Sub-Article 12. Foyers, Lobbies, Vestibules and Corridors in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.12). §C26-739.0 Foyers, Lobbies, Vestibules and Corridors in Special Occupancy

Structures.-The aggregate of the foyers, lobbies, vestibules and corridors intended for the use of

the audience, excluding toilet rooms, lounges and other similar spaces or aisle space between

seats, shall have one hundred fifty feet of space on each tier for every hundred persons

occupying such tier and shall be able on each tier to accommodate the entire number of persons

occupying such tier. Such foyers, lobbies, vestibules and corridors shall be separated from toilet

rooms, lounges and other adjoining spaces by partitions having a fire resistive rating of at least

two hours. The floor space in any mezzanine or intermediate floor connected to any tier by

vomitories may be included in computing the required floor space for that tier. Refreshment

stands shall be constructed of incombustible materials and shall not obstruct any exits, aisles,

foyers, lobbies or vestibules. The term refreshment stand shall also include vending machines.

Beverages may be heated in refreshment stands, provided the heating is done by electricity only

and no gas or other heating materials are used.

Sub-Article 13. Ramps in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.13). §C26-740.0 Ramps in Special Occupancy Structures.-Ramps or inclined planes shall

be employed instead of steps to overcome slight differences of level in or between aisles,

corridors and passages. Where the total difference in level will cause the gradient of the ramp to

be more than one in twelve the excess may be made up by using steps, except in aisles on the

orchestra floor. The maximum gradient in aisles on the orchestra floor shall be one in six for the

first, second and third rows of seats from the rear; one in seven for the fourth, fifth and sixth

rows; one in eight for the seventh, eighth and ninth rows; and one in ten for the remaining rows.

Sub-Article 14. Exterior Platform for Emergency Exits in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.14). §C26-741.0 Exterior Platform for Emergency Exits in Special Occupancy

Structures.- a. Where the emergency exits open on exterior platforms, such platform shall have an area of

at least thirty square feet for such required emergency exit opening thereon and shall be at

least as wide as the required width of the stairway serving that exit in accordance with

section C26-731.0 and no stairway shall start less than two feet from the jamb of the door

opening on to it. Stairways enclosed in partitions having a fire resistive rating of at least three

hours, extending to the ground level or floor level of the side court or passageway shall be

provided from these platforms, except that open stairways protected by a roof of

incombustible material may be used in place of these enclosed stairways when serving only

one tier and when having a maximum height of one tier or fifteen feet above the level of the

floor a passageway located at the orchestra level. Such open stairways shall be protected

throughout to a height of five feet with wire netting or rigid guards as provided in paragraph

two, subdivision J of section C26-292.0. The maximum height of risers in stairs shall be eight

inches and the minimum depth of tread, exclusive of the nosing, shall be nine inches.

Platforms and stairs shall be made of incombustible material and shall have solid risers,

treads and platforms. Platforms shall be covered with metal hood or awning.

Sub-Article 15. Guard and Hand-Rails in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.15) §C26-742.0 Guard and Hand-Rails in Special Occupancy Structures.- a. Stairways and platform exits shall be provided on the open side with a guard railing at least

four feet high measured vertically from the riser face and with a hand-rail upon both sides.

b. Hand-rails shall be provided on the wall side of the balcony wall aisles.

Sub-Article 16. Lighting of Special Occupancy Structures

(12.16.1) §C26-743.0 Adequacy of Lighting in Special Occupancy Structures.-Every portion

of any special occupancy structure devoted to the use or accommodation of the public, including

all means of exit leading to the streets and all courts, corridors, and passageways, shall be

properly lighted during every performance and shall remain lighted until the entire audience has

left the premises.

(12.16.2). §C26-744.0 Control of Lights for Corridors and Passageways in Special

Occupancy Structures.-Lights in the halls, courts, passageways and in the stairways, corridors,

lobby or other part of the structure used by the audience, except the auditorium, shall be on a

separate circuit and shall be controlled by a separate switch located in the box office or in the

lobby, and when located in the lobby shall be enclosed in a box with a locked cover and such

light shall be controlled only from such location. Lighting throughout the passageways shall

average not less than 5-foot candles.

(12.16.3). §C26-745.0 Illuminated Exit Signs in Special Occupancy Structures.-Exit and

entrance doors shall be marked with illuminated signs containing the word “EXIT” in red letters

at least eight inches high. Such signs shall be kept lighted during the performance and at all times

when the audience is in the theatre.

Sub-Article 17. Fire-Extinguishing Appliances in Special Occupancy Structures

(12.17). §C26-746.0 General.-Every structure subject to the requirements of this article shall,

except as otherwise provided in this section, be equipped with the following fire fighting

apparatus:

(12.17.1).

1. Sprinkler systems in special occupancy structures.-

(a) Automatic sprinklers complying with article sixteen of this title shall be placed under

the roof of the stage, under the gridiron, under all fly galleries and bridges and over the

stage at such intervals as will protect every square foot of stage surface when sprinklers

are in operation. An additional line of sprinkler heads shall be placed on the stage side of

the proscenium opening. Automatic sprinklers shall also be placed in the dressing rooms

and under the stage and in all work rooms, store rooms and property rooms. Sprinkler

systems shall in all other respects comply with article sixteen of this title.

(b) Where two or three theatres under the same ownership or management are built

contiguously, one ten thousand gallon tank may be erected in place of a separate tank for

each theatre.

(12.17.2). 2. Standpipe systems in special occupancy structures.

(a) Standpipe risers shall be provided, except as provided in section C26-720.0 on every

floor and tier, with hose attachments as follows: one on each side of the auditorium in

each tier, one in each mezzanine, one on each side of the stage in each tier, one in each

tier of dressing rooms, one in the property room, and one in each work room and store

room, except when the property room, store room, or work room is within fifty feet of a

standpipe hose outlet. Such standpipes shall be kept unobstructed. They shall be supplied

by a separate gravity tank except that a single gravity tank or standpipe tank is permitted

for adjoining theatres under the same ownership, or by a pressure tank located above the

roof and by a fire pump of two hundred fifty gallons per minute capacity, except as

provided in paragraph one of section C26-746.0. Standpipe tanks shall be kept constantly

filled with water by means of an automatic filling pump capable of delivering at least

sixty-five gallons per minute into the tank.

(b) The fire pump shall be automatic in operation and shall be supplied from the street

main and be ready for immediate use at all times during any performance in the structure,

except that theatres, used exclusively for the exhibition of motion, audible or sound or

television pictures which are without stage or platform in excess of ten feet in depth,

dressing rooms or scenery, shall not be required to have a fire pump.

(c) The standpipe system shall otherwise comply with article seventeen of this title.

(12.17.3). 3. Hose in Special Occupancy Structures.-There shall always be kept attached to

each hose outlet valve, in accordance with this article, a proper and sufficient quantity of

hose fitted with regulation fire department type couplings, with a nozzle attached thereto, and

a hose spanner at each outlet.

(12.17.4). 4. Hand Fire-Extinguishing Equipment in Special Occupancy Structures.-At least

four casks, of approximately fifty gallons capacity, full of water, and two buckets for each

cask shall be kept in readiness for immediate use on the stage. Such casks and buckets shall

be painted red and marked with the word “FIRE” in letters, of contrasting color, at least four

inches high. Hand pumps or other portable fire-extinguishing fire apparatus and at least four

casks and two twenty-five foot hooks, two fifteen foot hooks and two ten foot hooks shall be

provided on each tier or floor of the stage. At each required standpipe hose outlet a two and

one-half gallon hand extinguisher, one regulation fire axe and two six-foot hooks shal1 be

provided. Two two and one-half gallon hand extinguishers may be substituted for each

required cask and its buckets and, if provided, shall be recharged annually, and immediately

after any use.

(12.17.5). §C26-747.0 Exempted Structures.-

a. Special occupancy structures one-story in height shall not be required to provide a

standpipe system.

b. A stadium structure may be deemed to be a one-story structure, provided the seats are so

arranged that the floor level of highest row shall be within fifteen feet above the level of the

crossover immediately in front of the first riser in the auditorium.

c. A theatre having a stage and dressing rooms and having a seating capacity of six hundred

or less shall be exempted from all of the requirements of section C26-746.0 except

subdivision 1, sprinkler systems and subdivision four hand fire extinguishing equipment.

(12.17.6). §C26-748.0 Separate Systems for Structures Above Auditoriums.-Where a

structure requiring a standpipe system is erected above the auditorium of a special occupancy

structure it shall be provided with a standpipe system entirely separate from that provided for the

special occupancy structure.

Sub-Article 18. Heating and Cooling Plants and Ventilation in Special Occupancy

Structures

(12.18). §C26-749.0 Heating and Cooling Plants and Ventilation in Special Occupancy

Structures.-

a. It shall be unlawful to locate any steam boiler under any stage or auditorium. Every steam

boiler operating at a pressure of ten or more pounds and used for any purpose shall be located

outside of that portion of a structure used for special occupancy purposes. The boiler room

space shall be enclosed by masonry having a combined fire resistive rating of at least four

hours and doorways to the boiler room shall be protected with an automatic and self-closing

door assembly having a fire resistive rating of two hours. The self-closing door shall be hung

at the outer side of the opening and shall open outwardly. It shall be unlawful to place coils

or radiators within seven feet of the floor in any hall or passageway used for exit unless such

coils or radiators are placed in recesses covered with grilles. Supply, return or exhaust pipes

shall be properly encased and protected where passing through floors or near woodwork and

shall be so protected on the stage by means of guards as to prevent scenery from coming in

contact with the pipes.

b. Air cooling and air conditioning systems shall be installed in accordance with the rules of

the board. Refrigeration systems shall also comply with the applicable provisions of title C of

chapter nineteen of the code.

c. Ventilation shall be supplied at the rate of not less than five cubic feet per minute of fresh

air per occupant, based on the total occupancy for which the special occupancy structure is

designed.

Sub-Article 19. Jurisdiction of the Fire Commissioner Over Special Occupancy Structures

(12.19). § C26-750.0 Jurisdiction of the Fire Commissioner Over Special Occupancy

Structures.-The fire commissioner shall enforce all of the provisions of this article, relating to

protection against fire and panic, obstruction of aisles, passageways and means of egress,

standees, fire prevention and fire-extinguishing appliances, excluding provisions relating to

structural conditions.

Sub-Article 20. Existing Special Occupancy Structures

(12.20). §C26-751.0 Saving Clause Relating to Existing Special Occupancy Structures.-Any

theatre, opera house, or structure intended to be used for theatrical or operatic purposes, legally

constructed and approved for such purposes prior to January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight,

and the Town Hall, located at one hundred thirteen to one hundred twenty-three West Forty-third

street, borough of Manhattan, so long as the revenue received for use of such Town Halt shall

continue to be applied to public, charitable, social, educational or literary purposes, and provided

that the premises of such Town Hall are not used for theatrical or operatic purposes, and any

public dance hall approved by the then superintendent or the commissioner having jurisdiction

and licensed as a public dance hall prior to January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, shall be

exempt from the requirements of this article.

Sub-Article 21. Motion Picture Theatres

GROUP 4

Booths for Motion Picture Projecting Machines and Films

(12.21.4.1). §C26-760.0 Booths Required for Motion Picture Machines and Films.-It shall be

unlawful to use, in any structure, place of public assembly or entertainment, any cinematograph

or other apparatus for projecting motion pictures which uses inflammable films more than ten

inches in length, unless such projecting apparatus is enclosed in a booth constructed of

incombustible materials as required by section C26-761.0, or section C26-764.0, and the

certificate required by section C26-763.0, or section C26-766.0, shall have been issued to the

owner or lessee of the premises where the booth is located.

(12.21.4.2). §C26-761.0 Plans, Specifications and Construction of Motion Picture Machine

Booths.-The booths required by section C26-760.0, shall be constructed according to plans and

specifications approved by the superintendent. Plans and specifications for such booths shall be

approved by the superintendent only when they provide substantially for the following

requirements:

(12.21.4.2.1). 1. Dimensions of Motion Picture Machine Booths.-Such booths shall be at

least seven feet in height. If one machine is to be operated in such booth the floor space shall

be at least seven and one-half by ten feet. If more than one machine is to be operated therein,

twenty-four additional square feet shall be provided for each additional machine.

(12.21.4.2.2). 2. General Specifications for Motion Picture Machine Booths.-

(a) Permanent booths shall be constructed of incombustible materials having a fire

resistive rating of at least three hours.

(b) If temporary booths are constructed of incombustible materials other than masonry or

hard asbestos, such booths shalt be constructed with angle framework of approved

incombustible material. The angles shall be at least one and one-quarter by one and one-

quarter by three-sixteenths inches and the adjacent members shall be joined firmly with

metal angle plates. The maximum distance between angle members of the framework

shall be four feet on the sides and three feet on the front, rear and top of the booth. The

sheets of hard asbestos board or other approved incombustible material shall be at least

one-quarter inch thick and shall be securely fastened to the framework with metal bolts or

rivets. The incombustible material shall completely cover the sides, top and all joints of

the booth. The floor space occupied by the booth shall be covered with incombustible

material at least three-eighths of an inch thick.

(c) Booths shall be insulated so as not to conduct electricity to any other part of the

structure. Booths shall be provided with two means of exit which shall consist of

passageways, stairs or ladders and located one at each end of the booth. One of these

means of exit shall be through a door at least twenty-four inches wide and seventy inches

high. All such doors shall be self-closing and shall open in the direction of egress.

(d) One operating window shall be provided for each machine and one for each operator.

Such windows shall be as small as will permit the necessary service, and shutters of

approved incombustible material shall be provided for each window. The shutters shall

be so arranged as to close the window openings automatically, in the event of fire, by the

operation of approved fusible and manual releasing devices.

(e) Where a booth is built against the exterior wall of a structure, a window or windows

shall be permitted in such wall for the comfort of the operator. Booths shall contain all

approved box of incombustible material for the storage of films not being used on the

projecting machine. Films shall be stored, kept and handled only in projection booths,

rewinding rooms or special storage rooms complying with the requirements of title C of

chapter nineteen of the code.

(f) Films may be repaired either in the booth or in some other enclosure made of

incombustible materials, but the room in which motion picture machines are operated

shall be separated from the rewinding and other accessory rooms by fireproof partitions

provided with self-closing fireproof doors. Booths in which projecting machines are

operated shall be provided with a separate opening or vent flue in the roof, or upper part

of the side wall, leading to the outer air from the rewinding room and from the machine

room. Such flues shall be at least seventy-eight square inches in cross-section and made

of incombustible materials. When booths are in use a current of air at the minimum rate

of at least fifty cubic feet per minute shall be maintained through the booth to the outer

air, which current shall be sufficient to furnish a complete change of air every ten

minutes.

(12.21.4.3). §C26-762.0 Application to Existing Motion Picture Machine Booths.-Booths

legally installed and approved before January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, shal1 be

exempted from any other requirements of section C26-760.0 through C26-770.0, provided they

are constructed of rigid incombustible material so insulated as not to conduct electricity to any

other part of the structure, so separated from any adjacent combustible material as to prevent the

communication of fire through intense heat in case of combustion within a booth, and comply

with the requirements of paragraph two of section C26-761.0, in respect to dimensions, vent

flues, windows and doors, and boxes for storage of films.

(12.21.4.4). §C26-763.0 Inspection and Certification for Permanent Motion Picture

Machine Booths.-After the construction of a booth has been completed the superintendent shall,

within three days after receipt of written notice of that fact, cause such booth to be inspected. If

the provisions of section C26-760.0, and section C26-761.0, have been complied with, the

superintendent shall issue to the owner or lessee of the premises on which the booth is located a

certificate stating that such provisions have been complied with.

(12.21.4.5.). §C26-764.0 Portable Motion Picture Machine Booths for Temporary

Exhibitions.-Where motion pictures are exhibited at most three times a week, or as often as

daily for one month or less, in educational or religious institutions or in bona fide social,

scientific, political or athletic clubs, a portable booth may be substituted for the booth required

by section C26-760.0 and C26-761.0. Such portable booths shall be at least six feet high and at

least twenty square feet in area, and shall be constructed of hard asbestos board, sheet steel of at

least No. 24 U.S. gage, or of other approved incombustible material. Such portable booths shall

comply with the requirements of section C26-761.0, with reference to windows and doors. Such

booths are exempted from the requirements for vent flues. The floors of such booths shall be

lifted at least one-half inch above the permanent support on which they are placed and such

greater distance as may be necessary to allow the passage of air between the floor of such booths

and the platform on which they rest. Such floors shall be so insulated as to prevent the

conduction of electricity to any other portion of the building.

(12.21.4.6). §C26-765.0 Exemptions and Requirements for Miniature Cinematograph

Machines.-Miniature motion picture machines, in which the maximum electric current used for

the light is three hundred fifty watts are exempted from the requirements of sections C26-760.0

through C26-764.0. Such miniature machines shall be operated in an approved box of

incombustible material constructed with a fusible link or other approved releasing device that

will close instantaneously and completely in case of combustion within the box. The light in such

miniature machines shall be completely enclosed in a metal lantern box covered with non-

removable roof. Miniature motion picture apparatus, which uses only an enclosed incandescent

electric lamp and approved acetate of cellulose or slow burning films and is of such construction

that films ordinarily used on full sized commercial picture apparatus cannot be used, is also

exempted from the requirements of the above named sections.

(12.21.4.7). §C26-766.0 Inspection and Certification of Portable Motion Picture Machine

Booths and Miniature Cinematograph Machines.-Before moving pictures are exhibited with a

portable booth under the requirements of section C26-764.0 and before miniature machines

without booths are used as permitted under section C26·765.0, a certificate of approval shalt be

obtained from the superintendent.

(12.21.4.8). §C26-767.0 Motion Picture Machine Booths in Theatres.-Booths in theatres shall

be subject to the same requirements as booths in motion picture theatres.

(12.21.4.9). §C26-768.0 Lighting of Motion Picture Theatres.-The lighting of motion picture

theatres shall comply with the requirements of sections C26-743.0 through C26-745.0.

(12.21.4.10). §C26-769.0 Application to Existing Motion Picture Theatres.-Motion picture

theatres, legally constructed and operated on January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, shall

comply with the requirements of this article for motion picture theatres, only to the extent

ordered by the superintendent unless the seating capacity is increased. Any motion picture

theatre in a hotel located at a summer resort, where the seating capacity does not exceed one

thousand persons, and in which there is no stage or scenery, and to which no admission fee is

charged or exacted, and which is located on the ground floor of such building, and is legally

constructed and operated on January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, shall comply with the

requirements of this article, only to the extent ordered by the superintendent unless the seating

capacity increased. If the seating capacity of any such motion picture theatre, constructed before

January first, nineteen hundred thirty-eight, is increased, such theatre shall comply with all the

requirements for such theatres.

(12.21.4.11). §C26-770.0 Open Air Motion Picture Theatres.-The seating capacity of each

open air motion picture theatre as defined in section B32-22.0 of the code, shall be such as is

prescribed by the superintendent. Such theatres shall comply with the following requirements:

(12.21.4.11.1). 1. Aisles.-The number and width of all aisles shall be as prescribed by the

superintendent, but aisles shall be at least four feet wide.

(12.21.4.11.2). 2. Exits.-At least two separate exits remote from each other shall be provided,

and every exit shall be at least five feet wide. For every two hundred fifty persons to be

accommodated in excess of three hundred persons, the total width of exits shall be increased

one foot. Exits shall be indicated by signs and red lights. Doors shall open outwardly for their

full width.

(12.21.4.11.3). 3. Seats.-Seats shall be stationary, separated thirty-two inches from back to

back, and so arranged that the maximum number of seats intervening between any seat and

an aisle shall be seven. Chairs shall be securely fastened to a wood or concrete floor, or all

chairs in a row shall be fastened together and at least four rows shall be securely fastened to

one frame. Where refreshments are served, tables and unattached chairs or benches used with

them shall be permitted.

(12.21.4.11.4). 4. Floors.-Floors shall be constructed either of concrete or wood with

sleepers, and shall extend at least five feet from the seats on all sides, provided that in the

discretion of the superintendent a gravel floor may be substituted for wood concrete.

(12.21.4.11.5). 5. Additional Requirements for Open Air of Motion Picture Theatres.-Open

air motion picture theatres shall also comply with the requirements of section C26-760.0

through C26-770.0.

Sub-Article 22. Television Studios

(12.22.1). §C26-770.1 Requirements for Television Studios.-

1. Definitions.-

a. Television studio means any place in a building from which television broadcasts are

made and which contains television equipment, scenery or other paraphernalia or

properties, fixtures or other special equipment used for production of television

broadcasts in which the use of motion picture film may be an integral part and with or

without seating area for an audience. A television studio may include, but shall be limited

to, front and rear screen projection, film recording, kinescope recording cutting and

editing room, developing, screening and viewing room, storage rooms and telecine

rooms. The televising of special events, such as news, sports, conventions or special

events of a generally similar nature in any place or building shall not constitute such

place or building a television studio.

b. Front or rear screen projection in a television studio means projection of an image

either moving or still by film or otherwise on a screen either from the front or rear in

conjunction with the production of television broadcasts.

c. Telecine room means an area which is equipped with projection machines, television

camera chains and associated equipment whereby images either moving or still, or by

film, are transmitted into the television camera.

d. A conventional stage is any stage or floor area used for the production of a show, play

or act, where scenery, drops or sets are located within the area or room where the

production is made and where there are arrangements to accommodate an audience of

more than three hundred persons if the scenery is flown or more than five hundred

persons if scenery is not flown except that where the entire studio is sprinklered by a two

source automatic wet pipe system of sprinklers the stage or floor area shall not be a

conventional stage unless there are arrangements to accommodate an audience of more

than six hundred persons if the scenery is flown, or more than one thousand persons if

scenery is not flown. However, in spaces in the studio designed to contain technical

electronic equipment, such as control rooms, telecine rooms and broadcast equipment

rooms, where a two source automatic wet pipe system of sprinklers would be required a

CO2 automatic system may be used in lieu of such wet pipe system.

2. General provisions.

a. Television studios shall be exempt from the provisions of article thirteen, sub-articles

one to twenty-one, inclusive of this title except that the provisions of sub-division d of

section C26-722 shall apply.

b. Every structure used or arranged to be used as a television studio for the

accommodation of an audience of less than five hundred persons and in which scenery is

not being flown but with provision for scenery or dressing rooms or other studio

accessories shall he exempt from the requirements of this article, provided that:

(1) Exit facilities, seats and aisles shall comply with all of the requirements for means

of egress prescribed in article seven of this title.

(2) Dressing rooms shall be protected by a sprinkler system supplied from either the

house water supply system or a separate source of supply which, in either case, will

give the required volume at a pressure of at least fifteen pounds per square inch at the

highest line of sprinklers.

(3) Scenery is of incombustible material or flame-proofed in accordance with the

requirements of the fire commissioner or shall be treated so as neither to ignite nor

actively support combustion.

c. Every structure intended to be used or arranged to be used in whole or in part for

television studios where any single television studio is used for the accommodation of an

audience of more than five hundred persons or for an audience of more than three

hundred persons with scenery that is being flown, shall be a class one, fireproof structure,

except as otherwise specifically provided in this article, and in addition shall comply with

the following requirements:

(1) Exit facilities shall comply with all of the requirements for means of egress

prescribed in article seven of this title, and in addition, fixed seats shall comply with

the provision of section C26-729.0 and aisles shall comply with the provisions of

section C26-738.0, except that there also may be one hundred and fifty portable

temporary seats in the production area as part of a production.

(2) Where there is a conventional stage, it shall be enclosed on both sides and rear

with partitions having a fire resistive rating of at least four hours, openings in these

partitions shall be protected by means of self-closing or automatic protective

assemblies having a fire resistive rating of at least one hour, and the proscenium

opening shall be equipped with an approved curtain conforming to the provisions of

section C26-725.0.

(3) Scenery, drops and valances shall be of incombustible material or flame-proofed

in accordance with the requirements of the fire commissioner or shall be treated so as

neither to ignite nor actively support combustion.

(4) A complete system of automatic sprinklers shall be installed in dressing rooms,

property rooms, wardrobe rooms and under the stage roof if any. Where there is a

conventional stage a line of automatic sprinklers shall be provided over the

proscenium opening on the stage side of the asbestos curtain; and where a two source

sprinkler system is not required, the sprinkler system may be supplied from either the

house water supply system or a separate source of supply, which, in either case, shall

give the required volume at a pressure of at least fifteen pounds per square inch at the

highest line of sprinklers.

(5) Telecine rooms, dressing rooms, wardrobe rooms, property rooms, workrooms,

and any carpenter shops shall be located outside of the fire resistive partitions

enclosing the stage; these rooms shall be enclosed in partitions having a fire resistive

rating of at least three hours and openings in such partitions shall be equipped with

self-closing or automatic protective assemblies having a fire resistive rating of at least

one hour.

(6) Where there is a conventional stage an automatic skylight, of not less than five

percent of the area of the stage between the enclosing partitions and the asbestos

curtain line, shall be installed in the roof over the stage, or in place of such skylight, a

vent duct, or ducts, of equal area shall be extended from the top of the stage to a point

above the roof. If ducts are installed, they may be either open or provided with plain

glass dampers held closed by means of fusible links, and having three-quarter inch or

smaller mesh wire screens immediately below as approved by the superintendent.

These vent ducts shall be enclosed and constructed as required for medium

temperature chimneys in section C26-710.0. No other flues or ducts shall be

connected to the vent ducts from the stage.

(7) Portable fire appliances in any room where film is handled, stored or used, shall

be as prescribed by the fire commissioner.

(8) All members of the audience shall be furnished with seats.

(9) No seats, chairs, stools, or other movable furniture shall be placed in any aisle or

passageway leading to a means of egress.

(10) Dry foliage, flowers and branches shall be used as stage setting or scenery only

when so treated as to neither ignite nor support combustion.

d. Premises used exclusively for the display of television pictures with an audience

capacity of six hundred persons or less and without a stage or platform exceeding five

feet in depth and without scenery, or with a platform which complies with subdivision d

of section C26-722.0 of the administrative code, shall be rated as a television studio and

entitled to the exceptions from the general requirements of article 13 of this title and the

exceptions set forth in sub-article twenty-one thereof, but shall be subject to the exit

provisions contained in sections C26-754.0 to 759.0 inclusive.

e. Before any premises are converted to, or any structure or part of a structure is used or

erected for a television studio, plans drawn to scale specified by the superintendent shall

be filed with the department of housing and buildings. Such plans shall show compliance

with the administrative code for television studio and shall further show requirements of

the administrative code with respect to structural matters, plumbing, heating, ventilating,

air conditioning and use and storage of film. The approval of the department of housing

and buildings will authorize the use of said premises for such television purposes. The

certification by certificate of compliance as set forth in section C26-770.2 or certificates

of occupancy of the department of housing and building's shall be binding upon all

licensing authorities for the issuance of licenses and permits.

f. Anything in article thirteen of this title to the contrary notwithstanding, a structure

erected to accommodate an audience of more than three hundred persons, but approved

for accommodation of an audience of less than three hundred persons under the authority

of a certificate of compliance as defined in section C26-770.2, shall be exempt from the

provisions of said article thirteen except as provided in paragraph b of subdivision two

hereof.

g. Television studios shall comply with the requirements for lighting specified in sections

C26-743.0 and C26-745.0, and lighting during all productions shall not be less than that

specified in section C26-1441.0.

h. Ramps in television studios shall comply with section C26-740.0.

(12.22.2). §C26-770.2 Certificate of Compliance.-Where a theatre or motion picture theatre

exists in a structure and a certificate of occupancy has been issued for such use, the theatre or

motion picture theatre may be converted to a television studio without the issuance of a new

certificate of occupancy. In such case the superintendent may issue a certificate of compliance

for the television studio certifying that the television studio conforms to the applicable laws

enforced by the department of housing and buildings and a certification in writing by the fire

department in the same manner as required for a certificate of occupancy. Upon termination of

the use as a television studio, the premises shall be permitted to revert to the former use of

theatre or motion picture theatre provided that the arrangement of the theatre, especially in

relation to exits, seats, aisles and stages is substantially the same as the arrangement existing at

the time the certificate of occupancy was issued.

Section 2. Saving clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this

article shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment

shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation

to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in

which such judgment shall have been rendered.